"You're a College Graduate... now what?!"

If there is any word to describe the past 3 1/2 years I have been in College, it would simply be WOW. For any of us ending a season, whatever that season may be, we can surely look back over it and say we are grateful for what we have gained. {{ Tomorrow I graduate from Southeastern University with my Bachelor of Ministerial Leadership. I am graduating with a 3.89 GPA, on the Deans List and an award winner of "Most Outstanding student of the year in the Ministerial Leadership major" throughout all 18 campuses. Last week, I also graduated from Celebration Church's School of Ministry.}}

BUT...after 3 1/2 years, what means the most to me is all of the experiences (joys, trials and transitions) that I have had. I am absolutely overwhelmed by all of the love & congratulations that other's are surrounding me with in this sweet time, and all the belief that they have in me. And to say that I am grateful for this beautiful season, would be a large understatement.

In reflecting over these past years, and trying to plan for what is next, the Lord has spoken a word so clearly to me. And I believe that this is a word, not only for me, but for all of us.

" Stop worrying. Simply embrace this Season."

If there is anything that I have learned throughout my College Career, it is to embrace the process of life. I look back over being at Lee, transferring to SEU and Celebration Church... and I read over my journal entries filled with confusion, excitement, trials, grand experiences... and I am confident that the Lord is pleased with my process.

You see my process, like many of yours, wasn't perfect. It was messy. But it was also filled with moments, lessons and memories that have made me into the person that I am today. And the truth is that I would not trade a single second of it for the world. Today as I look back I am blown away by the woman I am, coming out of this season compared to the girl I was going in. I am overjoyed; full of tears and HAPPY. This woman was molded IN the midst of the process. The Lord has led me, even when I didn't know He was doing so. He cares for me, and when I choose to focus all that I am on Him I am filled with hope! I have learned that life is an adventure. We are created to explore it, to have fun, to step out of our comfort zones, to LOVE every person, to intentionally rest, to laugh, to experience love, and mostly to experience the fullness of God in EVERY season.

And so as I continue to celebrate, enjoy and embrace this "Graduating" season, I look back on my life up until this moment and I know with confidence that none of it is in vain. MY God is faithful. And everyday that I am given another breath, I know that He has purpose for that day. Yes, even the bad ones. I am ending a season, but it is only the beginning of a purposeful future. "I will not stop at the end of the escalator, I will keep walking forward to enjoy all that lies before me".

So when people ask me "What's next?!" I tell them just this, "I'm not sure yet, but until then, I am loving embracing the process". So I leave you, my sweet friends, with this bit of "Graduating College" advice ;):

"We were destined to embrace this process called life. Let go. Stop your anxiety. Embrace the fullness of the Lord, and let Him show you life within your journey. The person you want to become is not found in the outcome, he/she is made in the process. So GO ENJOY it; be brave, and don't let anything hinder you from truly living your unique life! Nothing is in vain."

With love and celebration for you and your journey,

p.s IM GRADUATING TOMMOROW!! :))))